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Must-see museums – TransPennine Express

"If you love a colourful creepy-crawly, Tullie House Museum has cases of 'em - from armies of shiny-backed beetles to row upon row of shimmering molluscs."

ImperialWarMuseumNorth

Manchester

Even if conflict isn't your thing, the building itself is an absolute stunner. This monumental landmark was created by international architect Daniel Libeskind and claims to represent a globe shattered by war: the three aluminium-clad 'shards' that form the building represent earth, air and water. Stirring stuff.

A museum dedicated to pieces of fabric sounds a little quirky, granted, but the Quilt Museum and Gallery is a textural feast for the eyes. This spring also sees the opening of Quilt Art at 25, a celebration of original work created by a diverse group of 20 international textile artists. Prepare yourself for amazing stitchery in a kaleidoscope of colours.

An integral part of Museums Sheffield, start at the Metalwork Gallery to see the city's industrial heritage celebrated in all its glory. Loiter among more than 1,000 obscure metal artefacts, from the 14th century to the present day, before popping into the lush and leafy Winter Garden next door.

If you love a colourful creepy-crawly, Tullie House Museum has cases of 'em - from armies of shiny-backed beetles to row upon row of shimmering molluscs. Currently, there's the added attraction of a new exhibition called Underwater - an 'immersive' collection of original work by ten contemporary artists from the UK and beyond.

The grand entrance to this Grade I-listed building suggests a dusty collection of ageing relics. Happily, the reality is very different: from March until June, a selection of digital artists will exhibit at the Harris. And, following a public debate, one of these artworks will be purchased and added to the museum's permanent collection. It's art in the making!